Federer Makes Winning Return at Hopman Cup

A pleasing start to 2017 and a peRFect return to the court for Roger Federer as he defeated Dan Evans 6-3 6-4 in his first match since Wimbledon at the Hopman Cup.

We knew from this years SW19 that Roger would outclass Evans if he were on song and it was a comfortable performance from the Swiss who came through in 1 hour and 1 minute.

As fans, we've had absolutely nothing to go on other than a Periscope practice and some short Instagram videos, but Fed looked impressive in his movement and retrieving from the corners on the run. The forehand was in great shape too, and Evans was never really in it.

Quick Match Recap

Both players traded early holds but at 3-2 Roger pieced together a string of solid points, including a deft volley at 30-30 to break for 4-2.

Evans immediately had two chances to break back, but a ridiculous drive volley from the baseline and a well-placed serve from the Swiss helped him hold for 5-2 before serving out the set to take it 6-3.

Momentum was now firmly on Federer's side, and he was able to break to lead 1-0 at the start of the second.

Fed consolidated that to 15, missed another break point chance to lead 3-0 and then hit a slam dunk smash en route to holding for 3-1.

At 4-2 the 2002 Hopman Champion held another break point, but Evans fought it off, coming up with a great get on game point. It made little difference though as Roger moved up 5-3, hit his first winning SABR of the year in game nine before serving out the tie to live to take it 6-3, 6-4.

Match Stats

Roger Federer

Dan Evans

Aces

5

5

Double faults

2

2

Winners

24

17

Unforced Errors

20

20

First serve

30/52 (58%)

38/58 (66%)

Second serve

20/22 (91%)

18/20 (90%)

Net Points Won

14/16 (88%)

11/14 (78%)

Break points

2/8 (25%)

0/2 (0%)

First serve points

24/30 (80%)

27/38 (71%)

Second serve points

17/22 (77%)

10/20 (50%)

Points won

62

48

SABR

1/1 (100%)

0

Highlights

Thoughts on the Match

peRFect start really for Fed who looked in great shape. Evans is a tailor made as an opponent of course, and it's a very chilled out vibe in Perth with no points at stake, but it's just the kind of match he needed.

I thought his movement was spot on throughout, hitting the forehand on the run cleanly and getting about the court very efficiently. Serve wasn't firing, but as he mentioned in his Periscope, the serve goes so quickly when you don't hit them day in and day out.

Predictions vs. Zverev

Next up is more of a test against Alexander Zverev who has a lot more power than Evans on his serve and groundstrokes. In Halle, we saw he can take Fed out of his comfort zone so it could be an exciting encounter.

I think if Fed moves like he did today and returns well then he has too much in his arsenal and should come through in three. Gasquet defeated the German easily in today's earlier match as well which also bodes well for the Swiss.

What did you think of Fed's comeback? Let me know in the comments.

Federer vs. Evans Hopman Cup 2017 Rating

Serving

Returning

Net Play

Winner to Unforced Error Ratio

Break Point Conversion

NICE!

Satisfying comeback from the GOAT who looked pretty much like he'd never been away.

Huge fan of Roger Federer. I watch all his matches from Grand Slam level right down to ATP 250. When I'm not watching or tweeting about tennis I play regularly myself and use this blog to share my thoughts on Federer and tennis in general.

I looked like a relaxed win, exactly what the doctor prescribed. Never seemed that Fedsey needed to shift into top gear.
Evans has clean shot making and here and there won some nice points, including a very good BHDTL passing shot.
However, and as usual is the case in such matches, his bag-o-tricks-and-treats is far from being as stuffed as Fed’s, be it improvisation skills or firepower.
To conclude my dissection: The forehand was very effective without being overwhelming, backhand drive so-so, slice thank you very much, net play was fine, volley check, first service requires caffeine.
But the way Fedsey makes a yummy salad out of these ingredients is another story altogether.
Roger that.

It is so exciting to see Fed actually play! Thought that the 14/16 net points was also encouraging along with his movement, etc.
I am a big fan of Sascha, so am looking forward to the next match but of course will be rooting for Roger. But it will be intriguing to see competition between one of the stars of tomorrow against our all-time great.

Roger Surpassed his comeback expectations here clearly. I few glitches here and there and I am sure more court time will do him good. Whats the fast4 tennis format for mix doubles, wishes Federer some more time there too, but looking at the pairing, it looks like thise matches are bound to remain short.
Sascha should be good test, I expect Federer to win in 2 tight sets.
And whats up with those Fourhand cross courts – Delpotro like! My word Federer was ripping them.
@Jonathan can you help me with the court speed at Perth, Federer said ,”its very quick conditions out there and he expects Melbourne to be the same”. which I dont think is the case.

I like Fast 4 for mixed in this setup, when you have watched 2 singles game I think a quick doubles is a good way to end it. If Fed wasn’t in mixed and it was full sets, I think many would leave. This encourages you to say and you know it’s not going to be a bore.

Thanks for the recap and highlights reel. I missed the match! I can’t believe it because we had been getting reminders all day from Cannel 7 (local TV ) that he would be playing his comeback match and I was soooo looking forward to it, but I got caught up in dinner preparation and the match was over before I realised it had started. He looked good though and I like his outfit. However, we were a bit surprised that his partner has gone all Suisse and Roger is in normal Nike gear. Any thoughts on that?

HNY to all and great to hv the blog back firing on all cylinders! As for Rog, I am cautiously pleased! Dan has no flat power and so Fed did hv more time on the ball, good for settling and good for rhythm. I too thought the BH slice was fine and the FH hit some good depth! Nice to see the Skan dunk reassuring us all re the knee! 2nd match will be the test as often the smoothness of the 1st match goes with a few more nerves… however, his body will feel ok as not too physical today! Just so great to see him on court.. looks lean and hungry which is what we want.

I have to say I got quite emotional when you all commented on my first post back. Was a great feeling you know. I didn’t want to leave the blogging game this way. So I worked hard, spent some time in the mountains you know.

I think he looked calm and his performing so seemingly effortless like his true and good old genius. Right – the serve wasn’t that consistent, could be lack of match-training – I liked his opponent Evans, seems to have sense of humor, and also quite a good deal of talent. Alex is more powerful, and in my point of view also more boring. But lets’ see if Roger jumps over him wednesday. I would think so.
The doubles match was clean fun.

The only thing better than Fed returning to the court is your posts as well J! No matter how Fed played in his comeback, the one thing that I think anyone here can also resonate with is just how much tennis has missed him. Bit of a treat for the Perth crowd to get to see 100% on challenges as well huh 😛

Hopman Cup tournament is a secret Fedfan judging by the coverage in Oz and their social media feed so it’s been cool to see him return here after so long. Hope the rest of the week remains this fun 🙂

Thanks for the report and the highlights. It was nice to watch some of the match since I don’t think it’s being televised by me. Great to see Fed looking pretty good. Hopefully he can keep it up next match and later in Melbourne. Happy 2017 to Jonathan and everyone here!

Federer seemed to have a pleasing amount of power from the back of the court, looked to me like he was hitting slightly flatter than last year and I think that may be what he needs against the top guys.

Happy New Year to everyone & it’s been made even better by a Fed win and Jonathan writeup a very nice start and neither of you seem to have lost any of your abilities over the break!
Crazy heat, devoted crowd and a manageable Dan Evans it was a great way to welcome RF back onto,the Perth court. The Hopman Cup now setting records for attendance in matches and practice sessions, must be thrilled.

Hopefully it’s a low key family time off the court….can just imagine Fed in full on dad mode reminiscing to the kids of life 15 years ago before he and Mirka were married, be like an episode of How I met your Mother lol ! Last time he was there he didn’t even get to the beach and now it’s all part of the PR duties.

The Fed enthusiasm and motivation is astounding and we are very lucky Tennis fans that there is still the promise of more to come !
Sascha next, go Fed!

He couldn’t ask for a better opponent after a long lay-off. Imagine if he had to play Gasquet or Sascha instead! Looking very solid and comfortable out there which is great news! Gasquet didn’t really beat Sascha easily, in fact I’d say Sascha was the better player in set 1 but managed to lose it in the last game. His played such smart tennis as a teenager. Fed needs to able handle his power and move well. Hopefully he will be able to close it in straights but I suspect it will be three long sets

Very well come back! The comparison says on behalf on Roger but Evans also was very good & a raising tennis superstar but he didn’t get the chance to stand against him. Federer is still the world champion I think!

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About peRFect Tennis

peRFect Tennis started back in May 2011 because I wanted to be able to share my thoughts on Tennis, and on my favourite player Roger Federer. Since then it’s gone on to be the number one blog for tennis and Federer fans to share their views on the game.

I first took notice of Fed back in 2001 when he beat Sampras at Wimbledon. Back then, like most Brits I was a Henman fan, clinging onto the belief he could still win Wimbledon.In fact, I was actually glad Tim beat Roger at Wimbledon that year!

Ever since then though, I’ve followed Federer’s career closely, been lucky enough to see him play live on several occasions and now use this blog to analyse matches, make predictions, and share everything and anything Federer related.

If you want to learn a bit more about peRFect tennis and what to expect from my blog, then head over to my about page.